CKA Storage Practice Question
Which access mode allows multiple pods to read and write to a PersistentVolume simultaneously when all pods are on the same node?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse 'node-level' access with 'pod-level' access, mistakenly thinking ReadWriteOnce means only one pod can use the volume, when in fact it allows multiple pods on the same node to read and write concurrently.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ReadWriteOnce
ReadWriteOnce (RWO) allows a PersistentVolume to be mounted as read-write by a single node, but multiple pods on that same node can all access the volume simultaneously. This is because the access mode restriction is per node, not per pod, so all pods scheduled on the same node share the same mount and can read and write concurrently.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
ReadWriteOnce
Why this is correct
The ReadWriteOnce (RWO) access mode permits a PersistentVolume to be mounted as read-write by a single node at any given time. Crucially, once mounted by that node, any number of pods scheduled onto that specific node can concurrently access the volume for both reading and writing operations. This perfectly satisfies the question's requirement for multiple pods to read and write, provided they are co-located on the same host.
- ✗
ReadOnlyMany
Why it's wrong here
The ReadOnlyMany (ROX) access mode allows a PersistentVolume to be mounted as read-only by multiple nodes simultaneously, and consequently, by multiple pods across those nodes. While it supports numerous pods accessing the volume concurrently, it strictly restricts all operations to reading only. This mode fails to meet the question's explicit requirement for pods to perform both read and write operations.
- ✗
ReadWriteMany
Why it's wrong here
The ReadWriteMany (RWX) access mode enables a PersistentVolume to be mounted as read-write by multiple nodes simultaneously. While this mode certainly allows multiple pods (even on the same node) to read and write, it is typically used for distributed applications requiring shared access across different worker nodes. Given that the question implies a scenario where multiple pods on a single node need read-write access, ReadWriteOnce is the more precise and commonly intended answer, as ReadWriteMany provides broader, often more complex, multi-node capabilities.
- ✗
ReadWriteOncePod
Why it's wrong here
The ReadWriteOncePod access mode is not a standard, officially recognized access mode within Kubernetes PersistentVolume definitions. While it might conceptually suggest a volume mounted read-write by a single pod, such granular control at the pod level for exclusive access is not directly implemented as a distinct access mode. Kubernetes typically manages volume access at the node level or across multiple nodes, not per individual pod.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CKA practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CKA exam.